In this article (and video above), I talk with Madison Anderson, PE, a transportation engineer at Stanley Consultants, about her inspiring journey to earning her P.E. license, the motivations that fueled her, how it shaped her career, and her top exam success tips.
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Madison
- What are the most important steps engineers should follow when getting ready for the PE exam, based on your experience?
- What challenges did you face while preparing for the PE exam, and how did you overcome them?
- How did your company, Stanley Consultants, support you during your journey to getting your P.E. license?
- What specific strategies or study materials were most helpful for you when preparing for the PE exam?
- What are some common mistakes engineers make while studying for the PE exam, and how can they avoid them?
- Has earning your P.E. license improved your engineering skills, or has it mainly boosted your confidence?
- Have you thought about getting licensed in other states, and what do you know about that process and any challenges it brings?
- What final piece of advice can you give to engineers just starting their journey toward earning their P.E. license?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:
- Setting up a structured study plan and choosing the best times to study are essential steps for staying focused while managing work and other responsibilities. Consistency matters, even if it means missing a few social events—short-term sacrifices lead to long-term career benefits.
- Preparing for the PE exam often brings pressure and anxiety. Taking regular breaks, viewing setbacks as learning moments, and focusing on steady progress make the journey less overwhelming and more rewarding.
- Having employer support, like that provided by Stanley Consultants, offers valuable flexibility and encouragement. A day off on test day and knowing colleagues are supportive makes a big difference in reducing stress and boosting motivation.
- Practice problems are invaluable for PE exam prep, along with mastering search skills like using Ctrl+F to quickly locate terms in digital materials. This approach saves time and allows for more efficient studying under timed conditions.
- Many engineers don’t simulate real exam conditions when studying, which can lead to surprises on test day. Practicing under test-like settings and focusing on understanding core concepts, rather than memorizing every detail, makes for more effective preparation.
- Earning a P.E. license provides a strong confidence boost, as it’s a recognized industry benchmark. While there’s always more to learn, achieving this milestone adds both pride and a greater sense of responsibility to an engineer’s role.
- Considering licensing in additional states can be beneficial, especially for those whose work takes them to multiple locations. Since each state has unique requirements and renewal timelines, tools and company resources can help keep licenses current and manageable.
- Starting early, staying consistent, and asking for help when needed are key strategies for PE exam success. Engineers should keep pushing forward, and remember that the journey is rewarding, and believe in themselves—they’re smarter than they think!
About Madison Anderson, PE
Madison Anderson is a civil engineer dedicated to using infrastructure to uplift disenfranchised and minority communities. Passionate about transportation, she aims to create efficient systems that enhance daily life and improve access to resources. Madison values community engagement, believing that technical solutions should reflect community needs and experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, and is an avid traveler, exploring places from Nepal to New Orleans. She also mentors aspiring engineers and loves baking sweet treats to share with friends.
Sources:
Stanley Consultants
NCEES
NCEES Exam Reference Handbook
Connect with Madison Anderson, PE, on LinkedIn
This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI
PPI
has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.
I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or on this page, and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam
Anthony Fasano, P.E., AEC PM, F. ASCE
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
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